Garlic has been around for centuries and in that time, the health benefits of garlic have grown beyond fending off vampires and warding against the evil eye. Garlic has always been a food of the peasant classes. Used as a remedy to cure many common ailments, the garlic clove helped fight smallpox and pulmonary tuberculosis, according to Wikipedia.org. The people of the Mediterranean were among the first to reap the benefits of garlic before it spread to Europe.

Modern medicine has only recently begun to take a serious look at the health benefits of garlic, trying to find where the myth ends and where practical medicinal application begins. Hospitals and medical journals the world over have done countless studies on garlic and have found much information to support the health benefits of garlic, but at the same time, nothing is absolutely proven to be true. Still, here are a few of the findings regarding the benefits of garlic.

A Cure for the Common Cold?

At some point, everyone has experienced a cold. A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and while it is harmless, the runny nose, cough, congestion and sore throat can linger for days or weeks. Rhinovirus is the most common cause of colds, although there are over 200 different viruses that can cause the affliction. Some people say that eating a raw clove of garlic as soon as the sniffles start will stop the cold from gaining a foothold in the body. Studies done at the Mayo Clinic show garlic contains properties that help to boost the body’s levels of antioxidants, which work as a defense system against viruses. This has lead to more research into the health benefits of garlic, especially how it can support the immune system against other diseases.

The Fight against Cancer

Researchers have been trying to find cures for cancer for years now, and the health benefits of garlic rank high among the studies done to fight this disease. As mentioned before, the benefits of garlic include boosting the immune system and may have some properties required to fight cancer. Reports have shown that garlic contains properties that help prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Some components of garlic have proven to block cancer from forming or slow the growth and reduce the size of existing tumors. The health benefits of garlic have been particularly successful against breast, stomach, prostate and bladder cancer. Crushing a clove of garlic releases compounds called diallye disulphide and s-allycystein, the compounds believed to prevent carcinogens from destroying breast cells.

The Benefits of Garlic vs. Heart Disease

The health benefits of garlic have proven to lower cholesterol levels and raise the good (HDL) cholesterol. When the bad cholesterol (LDL) builds up on arterial walls, it forms plaque, which causes high blood pressure. This in turn could lead to a stroke when fragments of this plaque break away and clog the smaller blood vessels of the brain.

A garlic clove or its equivalent in pill form consumed on a daily basis has proven to help strengthen the aorta, the blood vessel responsible for maintaining blood pressure. Over the course of a person’s life, the aorta can stiffen, causing the heart to work harder. Garlic helps to keep the aorta flexible and slows the aorta’s aging process.

Other studies have shown that the health benefits of garlic work to thin the blood, another factor in reducing high blood pressure. Populations that consume high quantities of garlic seem to have a higher tolerance to hypertension and other forms of heart disease.

Anti-Bacterial Properties

In 1858, Louis Pasteur discovered garlic had a dynamic effect on bacteria. When smothered with garlic, the bacterial cells withered and died, unable to survive against the chemical compounds in the garlic. The benefits of garlic also aided against intestinal parasites and yeast infections. Garlic, when used in conjunction with other antibiotics, has proven to be quite effective. How does garlic do this? Research has shown that garlic stimulates the T-cells. T-cells (the “T” standing for “thymus”, which is the primary force behind T-cell production) belong to a group of white blood cells, the body’s primary defense when fighting infection.

A Few Words of Caution

While the health benefits of garlic are many, there are a few cautionary advisories regarding use of the herb. Of course, the biggest drawback of garlic is bad breath (halitosis) and strong body odor. Some people might find garlic gives them indigestion or causes nausea. Garlic should not be taken with blood thinning medication, such as warfarin.

Garlic can also cause botulism, particularly garlic stored in oil. Garlic can pick up botulism spoors from the soil, which provides the perfect environment for botulism to thrive in oil. Poorly stored garlic in oil could easily cause food poisoning.

For the most part, garlic is fine for pregnant women. Research at one of the hospitals in London even reported that garlic could help babies at risk for a low birth weight. On the other hand, garlic’s blood thinning qualities could put the mother at risk for excessive bleeding and possibly miscarriage. As with anything, check with a doctor before consuming anything considered risky.

Although many studies show the health benefits of garlic, there is no official FDA approved study on record. Moderation is always best, despite centuries of garlic use without any major adverse effects.

Despite garlic’s anti-bacterial properties, raw garlic should never be applied directly to the skin. Some people have reported serious burns from holistic treatments for acne or insertion of a clove of garlic into a body cavity.

Although garlic may be healthy, some people cannot tolerate the strong taste or pungent smell of garlic. Many products on the market provide the health benefits of garlic without the taste or bad smell. Products such as Kyolic or Kwai are powdered garlic in pill form. Unfortunately, studies documented in the Archives of Internal Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), suggest that garlic in pill form is not nearly as effective as eating an actual clove of garlic.

Most sources suggest that to get the full benefits of garlic it is best to consume it raw, as many of the important properties are lost when garlic is cooked or processed into pill form. Eating a well-rounded diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of exercise and genetics should be taken into consideration. Another argument debates the effectiveness of different species of garlic, saying that some are more beneficial than others. While there is a chance that garlic can help fight colds, cancer, and hypertension, the important thing to remember is that using garlic will not be harmful to your health.

Always Consult Your Physician FirstAlthough it is helpful to get health information by reading and talking with friends, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.

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